Major incident declared in Greater Manchester following rise in coronavirus cases
A rise in cases has led to an announcement confirming a major incident in the area - but the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has emphasised that "the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged."
Manchester City Council has encouraged residents “not to be alarmed” as a major incident is declared in Greater Manchester in the wake of recent coronavirus case spikes.
The Government imposed new restrictions on the region – and other parts of the north – last week, preventing members of separate households from meeting indoors as COVID-19 infections crept up across boroughs.
Outbreaks have led to the proclamation of a ‘major incident’ – but the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has emphasised that “the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged.”
“This move was simply to enable public agencies to access any additional resources they need as quickly and efficiently as possible,” a GMCA spokesperson added.
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Manchester City Council Leader, Sir Richard Leese, called the declaration “standard practice.”
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“Although the Council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year, declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further,” he added.
“It allows the establishment of a central command structure to oversee the response and enables agencies involved to draw on extra resources.”
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According to the BBC, seven Greater Manchester boroughs are included among the ‘top 20’ worst-affected areas in England – with Oldham second on the list.
The GMCA stated: “The more we stick to the new guidelines and drive the R rate down, the quicker they will be removed.
“Please do not visit someone else’s home or garden unless you have formed a support bubble. Do not meet outdoors in groups of more than six.
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“Please wash your hands thoroughly and as often as possible. Let’s not act selfishly and instead keep the health of our loved ones and neighbours in mind at all times.”
Recent spikes has also seen a pause in the easing of lockdown measures in England, with the grand reopening of casinos, bowling alleys and ice rinks all delayed for at least an extra fortnight.
Local Mayor Andy Burnham has worked alongside the Government to implement restrictions in Greater Manchester, but has since expressed his frustration at their decision to stop shielding from 1 August – calling it “wrong and inhumane.”
I listened to the Government when they came to me late on Thursday & asked for our support for new restrictions.
I am now asking them to listen to us: please reinstate the shielding policy in Greater Manchester from first thing tomorrow.
“The shielding policy should have been extended in the areas subject to the new restrictions,” wrote Burnham on Twitter.
“To end it the day after the changes has left many confused and fearful.”
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
The Manc -
3rd August 2020 
